Electric-switch activated by sensing a touch through a large variety of cover-plate materials

ABSTRACT

A combination of a capacitance-sensing light switch (sensing cube ( 1 )) and a cover-plate mounting system ( 2 ), ( 3 ), ( 4 ) significantly improving on existing light switches. The capacitance-sensing switch is electrically isolated in an epoxy filled sensing cube ( 1 ) yet is compatible with cover-plates ( 4 ) made from materials with a wide range of dielectric constants; stone, wood, tile, plastic and metal. The sensing cube ( 1 ) integrates into the cube housing ( 2 ) creating a package similar in size to the mechanical switches it replaces. The invention eliminates the holes in the cover-plate for the switch and the mounting screws. The sensing cube ( 1 ) is activated through the cover-plate ( 4 ) by a change in its capacitance when the cover-plate ( 4 ) is touched. The cover-plate ( 4 ) is connected to the mounting system mechanically and pulled into position using a mechanical spring or friction lever. The invention enables the cover-plate ( 4 ) to be changed in less than ten seconds and provides almost limitless cover-plate ( 4 ) options.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application No. 60/653,583 filed Feb. 15th, 2005 by two of the present inventors David Ratner and Michael Dixon.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION—FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention relates to both wall mounted electric-switches and the mounting of electric-switch cover-plates.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OF PROGRAM

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION—PRIOR ART

The electronic-switch is used many times a day by anyone with electric lights and appliances. Edison was granted his patent on the Electric light bulb in 1880 and man has been trying to improve the way we turn the bulb and other electronic appliances on and off ever since.

The mechanical electric-switch has improved over the years but it has been a slow evolution. Many of the undesirable aspects of the mechanical switch remain in most installations and are evident to most users.

1.) The ugly plastic lever that protrudes through expensive plates diminishing their esthetic value. The rocker switch was created to lessen the protrusion but requires even more plastic be visible and touched.

2.) The mechanical switch is hard to clean creating a health issue with its cheap plastic, small size, groves, and live electric wires with no barricade to keep cleaning fluid from shorting the switch.

3.) The mechanical electric-switch requires an aesthetically handicapped user interface which limits design options, can be noisy, almost eliminates the creation of homemade covers due to the need for a precise slots for switch and mounting screw requirements.

4.) The mechanical switch is difficult to install, requiring the need to wrap thick wires around screws. A new method of installation for the connection system was created for electricians, but is also ineffective because it is difficult to disconnect.

Overcoming these limitations has been attempted through the years and is well documented in the prior art and is explored below.

The bulk of switches in use are mechanical switches that toggle or the newer flatter rocker switch. Recent years have seen the advent of switches that have improved on the mechanical switch requiring only a touch to activate. These switches sense a touch on a painted-metal target.

Leviton, a big electric-switch manufacturer, has a line of switches that are activated by touch to activate but looks almost identical to the toggle mechanical-switch it hopes to replace (ref. Leviton Catalog Number TT106-1). In addition, their cover-plate is not isolated from the circuit, actually exposing the user to 120 volts though at very low current. It uses a built-in plate with lead paint and provides no options for using other materials to match the look of a room, for a better feel or other purposes. The Leviton Touch Switch also recommends a third wire in the wall receptacle that is not always available especially in older installations.

All of these implementations define the look of the switch. The toggle, rocker and the touch switch's painted metal cover-plate must be visible. Many people have tried to improve the look of mechanical switches, one switch at a time, using wallpaper or other material or by patenting inventions that try to disguise them. Some of the patented inventions are elaborate mechanisms but all are trying to solve the same problem. The electronic-switch as we have experienced up until now is not aesthetically pleasing.

Both the mechanical switches and the Leviton touch switch are vulnerable to corrosion with metal parts being exposed to the moisture and will short if exposed to an appreciable amount of water.

In conclusion, insofar as I am aware, no electric-switch, electric-switch mounting system or electric-switch cover system formerly developed eliminates the restrictions of the mechanical electric-switch eliminated by the invention. In addition, no system that uses a touch sensor to activate the switch addresses the esthetic, pleasing feel or customizable look of the Cover-Plates available with the Invention.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION—OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

Several objects and advantages of the Electric-Switch Activated by Sensing a Touch Through A Large Variety of Cover-Plate Materials are listed compared to existing mechanical and touch switches and overall.

Advantages over mechanical switches

-   -   a) to ramp power on/off saving light bulb life     -   b) to operate silently, no mechanical noises     -   c) to create an easy to clean surface without holes or screws         providing health benefits     -   d) to allow easier operation for physically challenged people         but also when hands are full by activation of the switch by         touching with an elbow.     -   e) to allow aesthetically pleasing Cover-Plates with no holes         made of wood, stone, tile, leather and metal     -   f) to enable a cover-plate to be change in 10 seconds.     -   g) to ease installation, wire caps easier than bending wires         around screws Advantages over other touch sensing switches     -   h) to enable a two wire design. A direct replacement for all         existing electric-switches. No need to add ground wire to         electric wall receptacle     -   i) to isolate electronics. Safety, anti-corrosion, screwdriver         can't short out electronics or cause electric shock     -   j) to sense a touch through many cover-plates of different         materials and thicknesses.     -   k) to offer almost unlimited options on what the electric-switch         looks and feels like     -   l) to eliminate the need for holes for sensing plate or mounting         screws

Overall

-   -   m) to allow cover-plates to be made from almost anything     -   n) to allow cover-plate to be 3 dimensional as well as any 2D         shape. Examples include, a cover-plate made from half a baseball         or another of a cartoon character with the cover-plate's shape         matching that of the character's face     -   o) to allow creation of custom cover plates that compliment any         interior design—using granite, wood, ceramic tile, marble,         leather     -   p) to allow a selection of materials and objects that is almost         endless     -   q) to have a cool factor, ease of creating homemade cover-plates     -   r) to have multiple applications—replace switches for lights,         ceiling fans, garbage disposals, extraction fans, etc. in your         home, garage, office, or boat     -   s) to have simple packaging of sophisticated electronics and the         straight forward design of the mounting system to reinforce the         ease of installation and use of the switch         Other Touch Sensing Switches

The invention improves upon existing touch activated electric-switches in two significant ways.

The first is that the switch is electronically isolated in its sensing cube filled with epoxy. The switch does not require the operator touch a metal target that is physically connected to the electrical components of the switch and its high voltage electrical power-supply. The invention provides added safety and protects the electric components from corrosion and from shorting if exposed to water. The epoxy also protects the electronics when moved out to attach the cover-plate.

The second improvement is that the invention's sensing circuit senses the operators touch through desirable cover-plate materials including wood, stone, plastic, leather, tile and even metal even though these materials have a wide range of dielectric constants. Existing touch sensing electric switches are not aesthetically pleasing, requiring access to a painted metal plate, looking similar to the plastic mechanical toggle switches. The inventions benefits allow the cover-plate to be an aesthetically pleasing piece of mahogany or tile that matches the kitchen decor instead of a white or beige piece of plastic or painted metal.

The inventions mounting system exploits the capability of the switch creating a system that is similar in size to light switches it will replace but enabling the switch cover-plate to match the aesthetics of the room.

Comparison to U.S. Pat. No. 4,672,229—Skarman, et al. Jun. 9, 1987 Wall-mounted touch control switch

This patented innovation allows for the replacement of a mechanical switch in a multi switch plate and keep the existing switch plate (cover) so the other switches can remain installed.

The innovation provides a conductive connection through the switch plate slot for the replaced mechanical switch actuator lever to the touch plate of the invention. As with other touch switches on the market there has to be an electrical connection between the user interface touch plate and the switch control electronics.

Our design completely eliminates the need for conductive touch plate materials as well as electrical conduction from the touch plate to the switch control circuitry. In fact its electrical isolation factor is virtually infinite.

This is because the control and sensing electronics are encapsulated in nonconductive epoxy. What this means is that even if a metal touch plate is used it will be completely electrically isolated.

Mounting System

The invention's mounting system has two significant benefits. The first is the system in its preferred implementation keeps the sensing circuit next to the cover-plate no matter how far the wall receptacle is set back into the wall. The second is that the mounting system provides almost unlimited possibilities for how the light switch looks and feels.

In the preferred embodiment the cube housing surrounds the cube and holds it in place with a spring allowing the cube to move forward more than its depth. This allows the cube to pull out and when turned slightly stays in place outside its housing. Numerous patents seek to address the aesthetic problem of existing light switches. We examine a couple of the many here.

Comparison to U.S. Pat. No. 3,953,933—Goldstein May 4, 1976 Cover plate assembly

This patented innovation allows for cover plates unblemished by screw holes by creating a cover-plate with two members. Because the invention has to work with existing mechanical switches the mechanism is complicated.

The current inventions features of sensing the touch though the cover-plate and the mounting system's flexibility provide a much simpler solution requiring no precision in the creation of the cove-plates. People are able to make cover-plates at home with no requirement for special skills.

Comparison to U.S. Pat. No. 5,212,347—Powers, et al. May 18, 1993 Electrical apparatus cover plate

This patented innovation also is created to improve the look of the electric switch by moving the actuating means to the side leaving a more aesthetically pleasing appearance but it does not eliminate the mechanical switch just moves it from the center of the plate to the edge.

The invention presented here not only improves on the look of existing electrical switches, but it improves on their activation method sensing the touch of the operator through the cover-plate material.

SUMMARY

The invention is a wall mounted electric-switch system including the touch sensing cube and its cube housing with cover-plate mounting system. The electric-switch eliminates the need to flip a mechanical switch and allows for almost limitless options for the cover-plate material and shape.

The electric-switch is activated by a capacitance-sensing circuit that detects the electric field of the human body through the switch's cover-plate held in place by the invention's mounting system. The invention offers almost limitless flexibility in creating an aesthetically pleasing look and feel because of the combination of the switch's ability to sense through the cover-plate material of varying thickness and composition and the cover-plate mounting system that eliminates the need for holes in the cover-plate for the mechanical switch or touch-sensing metal plate and cover-plate mounting screws.

The drawings show how the sensing cube fits with the cover-plate mounting system to form a well-integrated unit. The details of the sensing cube and the electrical block diagram are also shown.

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings certain forms that are presently preferred; it being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the invention with all the main parts visible.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the invention in exploded view.

FIG. 3 shows the side view with the pieces connected to each other

FIG. 4 shows the Electrical Block diagram

FIG. 5 shows the detail inside the sensing cube

FIG. 6 shows the capacitance-target and surrounding ground plane

FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of the invention using a constant force spring

FIG. 8 shows an alternative embodiment using a friction lever

FIG. 9 shows another embodiment the sensing cube connected to a standard cover-plate blank DRAWINGS-Reference Numerals 1 Sensing Cube 1a Sensing Cube Plate 1b Line Wire 1c Load Wire 1d Main Circuit Board 1e Plastic Cup for Electronics 2 Cube Housing 2a Cube Housing Spring 2b Spring Shield 2c Wire Access Hole 2d Screw Slot Top 2e Screw Slot Bottom 3 Cover-Plate Mounting Bracket 4 Cover-Plate 5 Adhesive Tape 1.1 DC Power Supply 1.2 Triac AC Switch 1.3 Low Voltage-Regulator Circuit 1.4 Triac Controller 1.5 Touch Sensing Circuit 1.6 Multi Dielectric Conf Circuit 1.7 Capacitance Target & Ground Plane 1.7a Capacitance Target 1.7b Ground Plane 1.8 Encasing Epoxy 1.9 Connection Standoffs

DETAILED DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION OF MECHANICAL PIECES FIG. 1 (¾ VIEW), FIGS. 2 & 3 SIDE VIEW PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The invention is made up of 4 main elements:

-   The Sensing Cube (1) -   The Cube Housing (2) -   The Cover-Plate Mounting Bracket (3) -   The Cover-Plate (4)

The Sensing Cube (1) is held in the Cube Housing (2) by the cube housing spring (2 a). The cube housing spring (2 a) extends around the back of the Cube Housing (2) and is protected from the wires in the wall receptacle by the spring shield (2 b), which is also part of the Cube Housing (2).

The cube housing spring (2 a) connects to the cube plate (1 a) on both sides of the Sensing Cube (1) at the length wise mid-point. The Sensing Cube (1) has two wires (1 b) (1 c) that run across the back of the Cube Housing (2) and out the wire access hole (2 c). The two wires are connected to the line (1 b) and load (1 c) with wire nuts inside the wall receptacle. The wires (1 b) (1 c) run across the back of the housing to lessen the strain on them as the Sensing Cube (1) is moved in and out of the Cube Housing (2). The Cube Housing (2) has two screw slots (2 d) (2 e) at either end of the lengthwise dimension. The slots (2 d) (2 e) are used to screw the Cube Housing (2) into the wall receptacle and allow small adjustments to overcome any misalignment in the wall receptacle. The Cube Housing (2) can be made of various materials with the preferred materials being non-conductive.

The Cover-Plate Mounting Bracket (3) connects to the Sensing Cube (1) by sliding onto the cube plate (1 a) from the top and is held in place by friction and gravity.

The Cover-Plate (4) is attached to the Cover-Plate Mounting Bracket (3) with adhesive tape (5). The Cover-Plate Mounting Bracket (3) is attached to the Cover-Plate (4) before it is attached to the Sensing Cube (1).

The Cover-Plate Mounting Bracket (3) holds the Sensing Cube (1) right behind the Cover-Plate (4) for optimal sensitivity through the Cover Plate (4). This feature automatically adjusts for different wall receptacle depths within the wall. The cube housing spring (2 a) pulls the Cover-Plate up against the wall surrounding the wall receptacle.

The Cover-Plate Mounting Bracket (3) also allows for quick installation of Cover-Plates (4). By pulling the Sensing Cube (1) forward and out of the Cube Housing (2) and rotating it slightly the Sensing Cube (1) will remain outside of the mount. The cube plate (1 a) has an indent (1 aa) that allows a screwdriver or other common tool to be inserted to pull the sensing cube forward, out of the Cube Housing (2). The cube housing spring (2 a) holds the Sensing Cube (1) in place outside the Cube Housing (2).

The Cover-Plate Mounting Bracket (3) with attached Cover-Plate (4) can then be put in place. With the Cover-Plate (3) attached to the Sensing Cube (1) using the Cover-Plate Mounting Bracket (3), the Cover-Plate (4) is pulled forward and rotated into alignment with the Cube Housing (2). Once in alignment the housing spring (2 a) pulls the Sensing Cube (1) back into the Cube Housing (2) until the Cover-Plate (4) is flush with the wall. When a Cover-Plate (4) is in place, the Sensing Cube (1) is pulled out of the Cube Housing (2) by pulling the Cover-Plate (4) forward.

The Cover-Plate Mounting Bracket (3) tolerances allow the Cover-Plate to be rotated a few degrees in both directions (Clockwise and Counter-Clockwise) to adjust for misalignment of the wall receptacle.

The Cover-Plate Mounting Bracket (3) is quickly attached to almost any object that is a desirable Cover-Plate (4) spurring creativity using adhesive tape (5).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION ELECTRICAL PIECES SENSING CUBE (1) FIGS. 4, 5 & 6 PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The Sensing Cube (1) contains the capacitance sensing circuit, AC Power Triac and Support Circuits. The Sensing Cube (1) has been optimized to be able to sense a person's electric field through different Cover-Plates (4) connected using the Cover-Plate Mounting Bracket (3). The Sensing Cube's (1) optimization allows the Cover-Plates (4) to be made of a variety of materials and thicknesses with different dielectric constants.

The circuit optimization takes into account the interaction of the sensor with the metal in the wall, any interference caused by the AC circuit and the varying dielectric constants of desirable Cover-Plate material including wood, stone, tile, plastic and metal. The optimization was accomplished by the varying the settings of the sensing circuit (1.6), designing a very stable electronic circuit (1 d), (especially for the two-wire implementation), including a Multi Dielectric Configuration Circuit (1.6) and tuning the Sensing Cube (1).

The Sensing Cube (1) is tuned varying the distance between the circuit board and the capacitance target, the target size and shape, the ground plane surrounding the Dielectric capacitance target and the selection of the epoxy with the optimal dielectric constant to encase the electronics in the cube. The Ground Plane (1.7 b) surrounding the Capacitance Target (1.7 a) is important in the two-wire implementation because of the inherent instability of the floating ground.

The Circuit Board (1 d) and offset Capacitance Target and Ground Plane Circuit Board (1.7) are sealed into the cube using an epoxy (1.8) chosen for its low dielectric constant and thermal dissipation properties. The thermal dissipation is more important for higher load devices connected to the invention due to the fact that loses in the triac (1.2) increase with the current flowing through it.

Instead of instantly going to full power, the triac (1.2) ramps to full power. This ramp increases the life of light bulbs because the filament has a chance to warm before being exposed to full power.

FIG. 4 shows the electrical block diagram shows the main parts of the electrical circuit.

-   (1.1) The DC Power Source -   (1.2) The Triac AC Switch -   (1.3) The Low Voltage Regulator -   (1.4) The Triac Controller -   (1.5) The Touch Sensing Circuit -   (1.6) The Multi Dielectric Configuration Circuit -   (1.7) The Capacitance Target and Ground Plane Circuit Board

FIG. 5 Shows the Electronics inside the Sensing Cube (1)

The copper wires that are connected to the line (1 b) and load (1 c) are connected to the circuit board (1 d). The circuit board (1 d) contains all the main parts of the electrical circuit (1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6) except the Capacitance Target and Ground Plane which are contained on the Capacitance Target and Ground Plane Circuit Board (1.7).

FIG. 6 Shows the Capacitance Target and Ground Plane Circuit Board (1.7) with the Capacitance Target (1.7 a) and the Ground Plane (1.7 b)

The DC Power Supply (1.1) Provides an unregulated DC power source by continuously ‘chopping’ the Triac AC Switch (1.2) as controlled by the Triac Controller (1.4). This provides the input for the Low Voltage Regulator Circuit (1.3). The Triac AC Switch (1.2) receives an input signal on its triac gate from the Triac Controller (1.4) which is activated from the Touch Sensing Circuit (1.5). The source and drain of the triac 1.2 is chopped to maintain a DC voltage for the DC Power Supply (1.1) in the “Off” state and is at full conduction in the “On” state.

The Low Voltage-Regulator Circuit (1.3). Provides a regulated DC voltage to the Triac Controller (1.4) and the Touch Sensing Circuit (1.5).

The Triac Controller (1.4) is activated by a logic low on its ‘sense’ pin which is supplied by the Touch Sensing Circuit (1.5). The Triac Controller (1.4) is a pulse generator that is synchronized to the AC ‘line’ by monitoring the load and the line at the Triac AC Switch (1.2).

The Touch sensing Circuit (1.5) provides an activation pulse to the Triac Controller (1.4). It is triggered from The Multi Dielectric Configuration Circuit (1.6) and Capacitance Target and Ground Plane (1.7). It works by sensing a change of capacitance on the Capacitance Target (1.7 a) via the Multi Dielectric Configuration Circuit (1.6) and converting it to a digital logic signal.

The Multi Dielectric Configuration Circuit (1.6) provides multiple impedance configurations to give an impressive range of multiple dielectrics via the Capacitance Target (1.7 a). This translates to compatibility with a wide variety of touch plate materials for use by the consumer while maintaining maximum sensitivity.

The Capacitance Target (1.7 a) is on an integrated PC board platform consisting of a specially designed capacitance target (1.7 a). The Capacitance Target (1.7 a) is copper artwork of a high dielectric constant. There is also an encircling ground plane (1.7 b) that enhances the stability of the two-wire configuration. The two-wire capability makes the product a direct replacement for existing two terminal mechanical switches.

The entire Electronic Circuit (1.1 to 1.7) is encapsulated with a special Epoxy (1.8) that has properties of a low dielectric constant as well as sufficient thermal conductivity. This epoxy (1.8) becomes part of and is relevant to the function of the Capacitance Target (1.7 a) and the Multi Dielectric Configuration Circuit (1.6).

The Connection Standoffs (1.9) provide a connection and spacing between the Capacitance Target (1.7 a) and the Multi Dielectric Configuration Circuit (1.6). The spacing provides an optimized gap which when filled by the Encapsulating Epoxy (1.8) is an optimized dielectric. This transforms the device into a virtual capacitor.

The Plastic Housing Cube (1 e) houses the Electronics Circuits (1 d) the Capacitance Target (1.7 a) and Ground Plane (1.7 b) and the Encapsulating Epoxy (1.8).

The Insulated Copper Wire (1 b) connects the Sensing Cube (1) to the utility “line” while the Copper Wire (1 c) connects the Sensing Cube (1) to the utility “load.”

The commercial version of the invention contains a air-gap switch as required for UL approval. The invention is not limited to working with electrical circuits only using the US standard 60 Hz 110 volts.

Operation FIGS. 1, 2 & 3

Once the invention is installed in the wall receptacle the switch is operated by simply touching the Cover-Plate (4). If the light or other device controlled by the switch was off when the Cover-Plate (4) is touched the light or other device is turned on. If it was on then it is turned off.

When the Cover-Plate (4) is touched a change in the capacitance value of the Capacitance Target (1.7 a) is sensed by the Capacitance Sensing Circuit (1.6) sending a pulse to the triac Controller (14) which in turns sends a signal to the Triac AC Switch (1.2) causing it to switch from its current mode to the opposite mode.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS FIGS. 7, 8 & 9

The Sensing Cube (1) lends itself to many possible embodiments. Three other embodiments are shown. The first FIG. 7 uses a Constant Force Spring (11) to pull the Cover-Plate (4) using a variation of the Mounting Bracket (3). The second FIG. 8 uses a friction lever to pull the Cover-Plate (4) into place using two adjustable screws another variation on that theme is a single screw with a bigger screwhead. The third FIG. 9 is the Sensing Cube (1) connected directly to an off-the-shelf blank Cover-Plate (4) using the Adhesive Tape (5).

To meet electrical needs such as florescent lights the sensing cube will require a common or ground wire connection. Still other cubes will have relays instead of a triac for high electrical load applications. The sensing cube is easily modified to handle these other electrical requirements.

Advantages

a) Touch operation provides easier operation for physically challenged people but also when hands are full the switch can be activate by an elbow.

b) The ability to sense the touch through almost any material and cover-plate mounting system allows

-   -   1. aesthetically pleasing Cover-Plates with no holes for         mechanical switches, touch plates or screws     -   2. a cover-plate with no holes or screws is easier to clean         providing health benefits     -   3. cover-plates of different materials and thicknesses.     -   4. almost unlimited options on what the electric-switch look and         feel like.     -   5. cover-plates to be made from almost anything. Attach the         mounting bracket to the rear of the cover-plate, slide it onto         the sensing cube and let the spring pull it up to the wall. A         new cover-plate is in place.     -   6. cover-plates to be 3 dimensional as well as any 2D shape.         Examples include, a cover-plate made from half a baseball or         another of a cartoon character with the cover-plate's shape         matching that of the character's face.     -   7. cover-plates that compliment any interior design—using         granite, wood, ceramic tile, marble, leather.

c) The mounting bracket easily bonds to any surface with double-sided adhesive tape to allow a selection of materials and objects that is almost endless

d) Design has a cool factor with ease of creating homemade cover-plates

e) Integration of triac ramps power on/off saving light bulb life but not hitting the filament with full power while the filament is cold.

f) Eliminating the mechanical switch eliminates the mechanical noises of the switch flipping

g) Stable electrical design and ground plane surrounding the sensing target enables a two-wire design. Making the switch a direct replacement for all existing electric-switches. No need to add ground wire to electric wall receptacle.

h) The sensing cube wires ease installation, wire caps are much easier than bending wires around screws.

i) The encased epoxied cube isolates the electronics providing safety, anti-corrosion, screwdriver can't short out electronics or cause electric shock.

j) The switch's electrical design replaces switches for lights, ceiling fans, garbage disposals, extraction fans, etc. in your home, garage, office, or boat.

k) The simple packaging of sophisticated electronics and the straight-forward design of the mounting system reinforce the ease of installation and use of the switch.

Conclusions Ramifications and Scope

Accordingly, the reader will see that the touch sensing light switch and cover-plate mounting system eliminates most of the limitations of mechanical switches and other existing touch switches and does so in a package that is simpler than the century old mechanical switch.

The invention is unique in both the way it can sense a touch through different cover-plate materials and thickness and in the way the cover-plate is simple mounted. These two unique factors allow almost limitless cover-plate implementation to match the needs or wants for every room.

Furthermore the sensing switch with mounting system has the further advantages that

-   -   it makes it easier to turn the switch on and off which is good         for the physically impaired and those whose hands are full it         can be activated with an elbow;     -   it's a light switch that is easy to install;     -   it allows easy changing of cover-plates for seasonal purposes         and for just a change;     -   it allows any desirable cover-plate material can be used. The         mounting bracket can be attached with adhesive tape to stone,         wood, tile, etc. and the sensing cube can sense a touch through         the same material;     -   it increases the life of light bulbs by ramping the power on and         off;     -   it finally makes electrical switches cool by allowing them to be         whatever the owner wants;     -   it is a very safe electrical package and keeps the electronics         away from any corrosive agents;     -   it allows switches that not only look better but feel better.         Touch a nice piece of cherry wood instead of plastic;     -   it replaces any existing electrical switch;     -   it is a non-intimidating package that makes sophisticated         technology easy.

Although the description above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. For example, the sensing mechanism need not be encased in epoxy and more than one sensing cube can be used in a dual or multi-switch wall receptacle.

Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the specifics given. 

1. An electric-switch that can be activated by touching a cover-plate of almost any desirable cover-plate material and thickness, an improvement wherein the look of the electric-switch is no longer determined by the mechanics of the switch or the need to touch the electronic circuit (in touch sensing switches).
 2. The electric-switch of claim 1 wherein said activation is caused when the capacitance value in one of the switch's capacitance targets changes.
 3. The electric-switch of claim 2 where in said change in capacitance is caused by the proximity of the electric field within a human being to the capacitance target.
 4. An electric-switch whose plastic capacitance sensing cube contains the electronics encased in epoxy.
 5. The sensing cube of claim 4 wherein said electronics contain a multi dielectric configuration circuit with multiple impedance configurations.
 6. The sensing cube of claim 4 wherein said electronics contain a space between the main circuit board and the capacitance target.
 7. The sensing cube of claim 6 where in said capacitance target is surrounded by a ground plane.
 8. The sensing cube of claim 4 wherein said epoxy becomes part of the sensing circuit and dissipates heat.
 9. The sensing cube of claim 4 wherein said electronics can be attached to only load and line (2-wire) or load, line and common (3-wire).
 10. The sensing cube of claim 4 wherein said electronics contain either a triac or relay for connecting the line to the load.
 11. The sensing cube of claim 4 wherein said electronics are electrically isolated from the operator, corrosive elements and water.
 12. The sensing cube of claim 4 wherein said electronics are protected from the operator.
 13. The sensing cube of claim 4 wherein said the electronics sense a change in capacitance through multiple desirable cover-plate material including standard off-the-shelf electric-switch blanks.
 14. A Mounting System for electric-switches and cover-plates which holds the electric-switches and connects the cover-plate to the wall receptacle from the back, an improvement wherein a wide variety of material and shapes can be used as cover-plates, and requiring no holes for mounting screws.
 15. The mounting system of claim 14 wherein said connection from the rear is via mechanical spring or friction lever using a mounting bracket on the cover-plate that could be covering multiple switches.
 16. The mounting system of claim 15 wherein said mounting bracket is connected to the cover-plate using adhesive tape or other suitable connection means.
 17. The mounting system of claim 15 wherein said mechanical spring is wrapped around the cube housing allowing a longer spring and therefore a more consistence pulling force.
 18. The mounting system of claim 17 wherein said mechanical spring allows the sensing cube of claim 4 to be pulled out of the cube housing and be rotated slightly so that is rests on the outside of the cube housing.
 19. The mounting system of claim 15 wherein said mechanical spring is a constant for spring with sufficient coils to allow the desired movement.
 20. The mounting system of claim 15 wherein the mounting bracket connects the cover-plate to the wall using a friction lever with 1 or more screws being acted on by the leaver.
 21. The mounting bracket of claim 15 wherein said mounting bracket slides over a plate on the sensing cube of claim 4 and while the mechanical spring pulls the cover-plate against the wall is held in place by gravity and friction.
 22. The mounting bracket of claim 15 wherein said mounting bracket contains a hook that attaches to the constant force spring that pulls the cover-plate up against the wall.
 23. The mounting system of claim 14 wherein said connection to the cover-plate is adjustable to keep the sensing cube of claim 4 close to the cover-plate no matter how far the wall receptacle is set into the wall.
 24. The mounting system of claim 14 wherein said connection from the back is built around the sensing cube of claim
 4. 25. A method for integrating a capacitance sensing electric-switch and a cover-plate mounting system comprising: a means of holding the electronic-switch in a desirable location. a means for connecting a cover-plate using a mounting bracket that exploits the capabilities of the electronic switch. having the ability to sense a touch through a wide range of materials of different dielectric constants. allowing the customization of the look of the electric-switch by changing the cover-plates. 